Pakistan: A Mysterious Explosion in North Waziristan

An explosion in North Waziristan on Oct. 21 allegedly killed al Qaeda commander Abu Musa al-Masri. Though his death is not confirmed, if al-Masri has indeed been killed, it would be a significant blow to al Qaeda's tactical capabilities. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials are giving two different accounts as to the cause of the explosion — each with its own strategic consequences to the ongoing military offensive in South Waziristan.